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Those of you who have used Dr. Lopez and Osana, VS Dr. Lopez and Dr. Ortiz, did you have a preference as to who was assisting with the surgery? I notice Lopez seems to be the only one that specifically states who will be assisting? Do you think it is important who is assisting? Was this part of your decision process? Also, those of you who had Lopez and Ortiz, were you happy? I am booked for the 3rd, and just got an e-mail from Ronda at ALighterMe that Dr. Osana has a family emergency and will not be able to be with Dr. Lopez when he performs my surgey. That Dr. Ortiz will be assisting instead. I am trying to be understanding of a family emergency, but I feel nervous about this. I was offered I could reschedule in Guadalajara?! I can't change my flights at this point, not to mention the extra costs I would incur on airfare alone!! Part of the reason I chose Lopez is because he and Osana are a team, they advertise themselves as such. I am wondering how many surgeries Lopez has performed with Ortiz, and how experienced Ortiz actually is. These are questions I e-mailed back to Ronda, and I expect an answer tomorrow, but this change is NOT what I expected to hear so close to my surgery. Am I freaking out for no reason? Does anyone have any information on Ortiz, or used him? ~Amy

I haven't read anything about lecithin, I am pre op too, I am interested to know what your doc says!

I am thankful I don't have kids to take out! I am handing out money this year so no candy in the house, I am Nov 3rd, we can do this, ladies!!

I am on pre op liquid now, I am going to Mexico so it is a little different, the final 3 days before is supposed to be clear liquids only. On the plain liquid phase, I did Isogenix, I would have a shake for breakfast, then a protien and salad (no carbs) for lunch, and a shake for dinner. The first week was the worst (I've been doing it for a month), and then today is my first day of clear liquids only. I had lots of tea, and an isopure pre mixed apple melon drink (it tasted like bitter koolaide going in, and the after taste was like fat free milk, VERY wierd), and am about to have beef broth and another iso pure for dinner. Amazingly I don't feel hungry at all, and I've lost 18 lbs so far (in the month). My advice, find a protein shake that you can stand, and just go for it! You can always have an extra shake if you need, many of them are very filling actually. Also, I personally could not stand to wait for dinner to eat my 'solid' meal, so I just had it for lunch everyday. Good luck!

I talked to Ronda this afternoon, and she said they are having some issues with the website right now regarding one of the web masters. My husband does computer work, and all of it seemed very plausible and I was glad she took the initiative to call. I also did all of my research from several different sites. Yes, the price was one of the things that I took into consideration, i.e. was he TOO cheap, but after all of the positive things I read, I did research into his background as well. I also researched his license, his death rate (0 btw), his complication rate (.05%), and I talked to many people who had done the surgery with him. Ultimately, the choice for me was his price point, he has done more than 3,000 sleeves, he does 3 leak tests (many others I researched only did one or two), and the fact that he operates in a full hospital which has a complete trauma center and blood bank. I also have found both Ronda and Janese, at least for me, to be very attentive to my needs. They have both been very responsive and in my opinion, caring. I have obviously not been sleeved yet, but my experience thus far with ALighterMe could not be a better one. Again, this is only my opinion, but I feel great about my choice, and am excited about what is in store for me!

Muffin, Your experience sounds terrible! I did have to giggle thought at the part of your story where Abraham stopped for Mc Donalds for the ladies at the border I have grown up next to the border practically my whole life, and that sounds to be about par for the course! It does sound sh*tty that you and Amber had to worry about things going missing, thank you for sharing that. This way those of us that are going next will be extra concious about our belongings. I think I'm going to get some luggage locks. I am glad that both of you had generally good experiences with your surgeons. I am also using A Lighter Me, and I will be going to Dr. Lopez, so thank you both for sharing your experiences.

I fly out on the 2nd for surgery on the 3rd, your story was very detailed, thank you for sharing! It sounds like you are a real trooper, I have to say I will probably be terrified and think the worst if i have any pains! I can't thank you enough for sharing your experience! I hope your torn muscle heals well, and you feel more 'normal' soon!

November 3rd, Dr. Lopez, Tijuana! So excited!

I'm with Dr. Lopez on the 3rd, not Garcia.

What levels of energy did everyone have after surgery? How soon after surgery did you feel 'like yourself' again? Were you able to get up and do 'normal' everyday tasks a week out? If not, how long did it take?

I am 31 and will be sleeved Nov 3rd.

Even though I am not over 50 BMI, I still went with Lopez, because he does high BMI work. I started @ 46 BMI, and am now down to 43 through 1 month pre-op, and mild exercise. I felt like if he does High BMI, he must be extra careful and very good. Good luck on getting down! One day at a time is what I keep telling myself. I go on Nov 3rd.

Congrats for both you ladies! I am getting really excited! I am with Dr. Lopez on Nov 3rd, barely more than a week away! I can't wait!

Under forums>food&nutrition>protien drinks/powders>places to get liquid protien samples. Here is a direct link: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/1267-places-to-get-liquid-protein-samples/ Some of the links were old, so I googled some, but I found Vitalady to have a TON! I think I ordered at least 60 samples! I plan to make a chart and rate all of them. If I have to drink Protein, I want to be sure I am drinking the best tasting protein I can drink!

Can the unflavored be used in the 'clear liquids' stage of pre and post op? I was looking into the ISOPure, but it is so pricey! I also have ordered several 'sample' packs of different powders. I think the toughest thing for me will be not getting 'bored' about the protien shakes, so I am looking up as many varieties and 'recipes' as I can!

I have never heard of taking preemptive medicine for your gallbladder, I will definately contact my GI doc and ask. My gallbladder is something I was worried about, as I have a family history of gallbladder removals. Thanks for the info!

Nursedel, the rate is $4,750 for BMI under 50, and not hernias to repair, if over 50 bmi, aor have anything extra to repair when they go in, I was told it would be additional $500. I will be at MI hospital, not a clinic. I will be staying at the Marriott hotel in TJ one night before, and then 2 nights after. I fly in the 2nd, surgery on the 3rd, release from Hospital on 5th, stay at hotel until I fly out on the 7th. PM me for any other details. I did a ton of research. When are you looking to get sleeved?

I am getting my sleeve Nov 3rd in TJ w/Dr. Lopez & Osuana. I have airfare booked, and have travelled extensively, so already have passport.

I am about 3 weeks pre op now, and have been reading up on the pre and post diets as well as protein suggestions. My concern is regarding the clear liquids stages. Are their any protien powders that you mix with clear liquids that can be ingested during that phase? There must be something? Starting to order samples of different powders now, but just wondering how to handle the clear liquids phase? Also, a lot of emphasis seems to be put on the number of grams per serving of protien in the powders, but are the calories just as important? For example, Isogenix, and medifast, are both protien based, but I have not seen anything about these powders or drinks on here?